Why can I not claim my 17 1/2 year old grandson as my dependent when I was able last year

[tammyroca]

I have had Guardianship for around 10 years. I used Vita last year to claim my taxes as head of household

[xmasbaby0]

You can claim your grandson, but you will not get child tax credit for a child older than 16.  You can get the non-refundable $500 credit for other dependents for him and HOH filing status.

To claim a grandchild as your dependent

When you enter the child’s name in My Info, you will be asked “What’s your relationship to  [child’s name]?”  

           Choose “another person”

            a drop down menu will appear that lets you choose grandchild

Make sure you have entered your child as a dependent in My Info, and that you have entered the child's Social Security number.    Careful— do not say that your child’s SSN is not valid for employment.  If your child was born in 2025 make sure you said he lived with you the whole year.  There is an oddly worded question that asks if the child paid over half their own support.  Say NO to that question.

[MonikaK1]

Once a child reaches 17, they may still be a dependent but no longer qualify for the Child Tax Credit. A child that doesn't qualify under the age requirement might still qualify for the Other Dependent Credit. See this article for more information.

The person you’re claiming as a qualified relative must also fit these criteria:

• They haven’t already been claimed for the Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependents, either by you or by anyone else.
• They have an SSN, ITIN, or ATIN issued on or before the due date of your return (including extensions).
• They are a US citizen, US resident alien, or US national.
• They aren’t filing a joint return with their spouse.
• They either lived with you for the entire year or are related to you.
• They have less than $5,200 gross income this year (nontaxable Social Security doesn't count).
• You provided more than half of their financial support (more info).

See this tax tips article for more information.

@tammyroca